Association between paramagnetic rim lesions and pulvinar iron depletion in persons with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background

The deep gray matter (DGM), especially the pulvinar, and the white matter surrounding chronic active lesions have demonstrated depleted iron levels, indicating a possible mechanistic link. However, no studies have investigated the potential relationship between these phenomena.

Objectives

The study aimed to determine whether PRLs were associated with pulvinar iron depletion and, if so, whether this relationship was spatially mediated.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 139 people with MS (pwMS) and 43 healthy controls (HCs) scanned at 3T MRI at baseline and after 5.4 ± 0.6 years. Pulvinar iron concentrations (cFe) and iron masses (mFe) were estimated from quantitative susceptibility maps and tested for associations with PRLs. A separate cohort of 96 pwMS with PRLs and propensity-matched HCs was included to evaluate peri‑plaque normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) abnormalities.

Results

PRL number was associated with greater decline in pulvinar cFe (β = -0.265, p = 0.005) and mFe (β = -0.256, p = 0.006). Peri-plaque NAWM susceptibility was increased 11 mm surrounding PRLs, outside which shorter PRL-to-pulvinar distance was associated with greater decline in pulvinar cFe (β = 0.380, p = 0.005) and mFe (β = 0.348, p = 0.022).

Conclusions

Our findings support a spatially-mediated relationship between PRLs and chronic pulvinar iron depletion.